Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)

The olive ridley sea turtle is one of the smallest species of sea turtle, and is one of the most endangered. Its carapace is smooth and often has a single greenish-gray color throughout, with little or subtle color variation. It reaches an average size of only 70cm (27in), carapace length.

Illustration: Kaitlin Asson

Key identifying characteristics

1. Six or more lateral scutes

2. Front flippers have one or two claws

3. Rear flippers have one or two claws

4. Carapace is nearly circular in shape

5. Dark grayish-green color

Before attempting to identify a turtle, alert the

Oregon Marine Mammal Network at 1-800-452-7888

Examples:

The shell of an Olive Ridley sea turtle found on the beach in Ecuador. Photo credit: Danielle Asson

Olive Ridley just before a dissection. Photo credit: Danielle Asson

Shell of an Olive Ridley just before dissection. Photo credit: Danielle Asson